Ripon's 11+ covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics, sat in the autumn of Year 6. Preparation should cover all three under timed conditions - the reasoning papers are where format familiarity gains the most marks, and they are the ones families skip. Use the school's published guidance on the format before buying commercial practice material.

Roughly one family in six missed their first-choice secondary school for September 2026: 83.6% were offered it. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

If you're a parent in Ripon or nearby areas and are considering Ripon Grammar School for your child's secondary education, it's crucial to understand the demands of the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT). This blog post aims to equip you with detailed information on the exam format and preparation strategies to help your child succeed.

What Is the Ripon Grammar School 11+ STT?

The Ripon Grammar School 11+ STT is a challenging exam designed to assess the academic abilities of prospective students through two time-limited, multiple-choice papers.

What is verbal reasoning?

- Content: This paper evaluates your child's ability to interpret and process written information.

- Skills Tested: Understanding, logical reasoning, and language usage.

What is non-verbal reasoning?

- Content: Focuses on the ability to understand and analyze visual information.

- Skills Tested: Pattern recognition, logical thinking, and problem-solving through visual cues.

What is mathematics?

- Content: Covers essential areas such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

- Skills Tested: Numerical ability, problem-solving, and application of mathematical concepts.

What are preparation strategies?

To ensure your child performs well in the Ripon Grammar School 11+ STT, early and comprehensive preparation is key.

Which resources help you prepare?

- Practice Papers: Familiarize your child with the format and types of questions they will encounter.

- Online Resources and Books: Supplement their learning with varied materials that reinforce key concepts.

- Past papers: Provide insight into the exam's difficulty level and question style.

What is the role of a tutor?

- Personalized Support: Tutors can offer tailored guidance and strategies suited to your child's unique learning needs.

- Focus Areas: Help identify and strengthen areas that need improvement, enhancing overall performance.

How Do You Support Your Child?

Encouragement and support are vital during the preparation period. Maintain a positive environment to help your child stay motivated and focused on their goals.

What should you do next?

The Ripon Grammar School 11+ STT is a comprehensive test that evaluates verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematical skills. Starting preparation early, using a variety of resources, and possibly engaging a tutor can significantly enhance your child's performance. With dedication and the right support, your child can excel in the exam and secure a place at Ripon Grammar School.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: